What to look for in Thursday night’s preseason 49ers finale

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick is seen on the sideline during the second quarter of his NFL preseason game against the Green Bay Packers.

Typically final exhibition games determine who will fill the last few spots on a roster. This game for the 49ers will be different – it will resolve the quarterback depth chart from starter to third-stringer. Coaches are also likely to settle on who will fulfill the second, third and fourth receiver roles for Chip Kelly. In other words, this is the most consequential final preseason game in decades for the 49ers. Here’s a primer:

Quarterback: It’s all about Colin Kaepernick, can he stand above the firestorm of controversy and play well? If he can, he can avoid getting released and maybe even become the primary back up. Jeff Driskel has played the best of all the 49ers quarterbacks, and if he plays well again, he could also move up the depth chart.

Offensive line: This is a big night for center Marcus Martin. He played well in the last game, and maintaining that consistently will be key for him.

Tight ends: Could we have four tight ends on the roster? I would bet on it with Vance McDonald, Garrett Celek, Blake Bell and Bruce Miller. Miller is still adjusting to playing the position, but his versatility is too valuable to dismiss.

Defensive line: So far, rookie Ronald Blair has been further ahead in preseason games than DeForest Buckner, which is more a commentary on Blair than Buckner. Tony Jarod-Eddie has really improved and is so versatile he makes the team. Mike Purcell continues to play well at nose tackle and should make it as well.

Linebackers: Michael Wilhoite is clearly in third place in the competition at inside linebacker. His spot on the team maybe in jeopardy. Ray-Ray Armstrong and Gerald Hodges will likely split duties in the regular season, with Armstrong taken more of the run snaps.

Secondary: How many cornerbacks can the 49ers keep realistically? Six, seven maybe. Tramaine Brock, Jimmie Ward and Chris Davis are all locks and the likely starters. That leaves rookies Rashard Robinson and Will Redmond along with veterans Dontae Johnson and Keith Reaser. One or two of the last four players is going to get released, and that will be a tough decision.